I remember watching a Fons and Porter show and they were talking about how they used to keep the "dog-ears" in a little jar to see if they could fill the jar. I thought about that, but I get so busy and so "wrapped up" in my work I forget to do that. Besides in my own little space here, I just let the stuff, threads, puzels, etc., fall to the floor and when I am done I just pull out the vacuum and clean it all up. It works for me! Edie